Singleton to face Georgian foe Robakidze at Manchester Sound

Shayne Singleton v Steve Jevons - De Vere Whites, Macron Stadium, Bolton

While he’s grafted for over five years to make the grade he’s at today, it’s taken less than a month for the sport to drag the 25-year-old back down to earth.

After stopping Steve Jevons in the third round at Bolton’s Macron Stadium last month to land the British Masters Silver title - the fourth strap of his professional tenure - Singleton had been expecting a deserved Commonwealth eliminator.

However, circumstances have prevented such an opportunity. Instead, the former Sandygate star will now face Georgian Nodar Robakidze at Victoria Warehouse for ‘Manchester Sound’ tomorrow.

His 20-year-old foe has won 10 of his 22 contests, including three knockouts, with the remainder of his record being made up of nine defeats and three draws. He won his last fight against Zaza Megreshvili in his homeland via a unanimous decision after eight rounds.

“I’m not fighting for a Commonwealth eliminator now,” Singleton said. “They’ve had real problems finding an opponent to fight me. Instead I’m fighting Nodar Robakidze in a 10-round international bout.

“His record isn’t the best and I’m devastated about it. I thought I was past all that now but it was either fight him or don’t fight at all. That’s how bad the situation was.”

He added: “I can only beat what is in front of me but I won’t be underestimating him. I won’t be taking him lightly. Everybody gets in the ring to do a job so I’m certain he won’t be coming over to tuck up and survive. The main thing is that I’m still fighting and topping the bill.

“I did want more of a test. I’ve been preparing for a big Commonwealth eliminator against an unbeaten opponent. I was on a high so this is a bit of an anti-climax.”

Make no mistake, though, Singleton has fought himself in to a great position. A shot at a prestigious title awaits and the clash between Frankie Gavin and Bradley Skeete at London’s ExCel Arena on November 29th could have a big say on Singleton’s future.

“I’m still in a good position and this is a chance to make it 19-0-0,” he said. “If I win this one in style then I can take that in to my next fight. I’m in a good position and there’s been talks of fighting Bradley Skeete for the Commonwealth before. There’s a good chance of me getting a straight shot at the British or Commonwealth at the start of next year.”